NLEX head coach Jong Uichico’s faith in Xyrus Torres never waned even after the rookie struggled from the field and fumbled a catch off an easy pass in the closing stretch.
He kept the young gun on the floor amid the furious rally of Barangay Ginebra back from 17 points down.
Torres did not disappoint and turned hero after draining the go-ahead three-pointer in a decisive late counterattack as the Road Warriors racked their fourth straight victory after beating the Kings, 89-86, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Xyrus delivered a big three-pointer. It was wide open and he took it with confidence. That’s what we want to see. If you’re confident, just take the shot. That’s his shot,” Uichico said of Torres’ heroics that extended the Road Warriors’ hot run for a 4-1 win-loss record at second spot behind unbeaten Magnolia.
“Whether he misses or makes it, there’s no problem with that, it’s a very good shot.”
NLEX saw its 17-point third quarter lead evaporate and even trailed Ginebra, 84-86.
Torres caught a crosscourt pass from Javee Mocon off a loose-ball play, faked a pass to Robert Bolick that got Kings defender Scottie Thompson off balance while gambling for a steal before confidently swishing in a trey to put the Road Warriors back in front with 49 seconds left.
NLEX held on from there to bag another W.
The 30th overall pick in the last Draft, breathed a sigh of relief after the final buzzer sounded, knowing he made amends from a turnover before his biggest shot and missing two pressure-packed free throws with 11 seconds left and the Road Warriors protecting a one-point advantage.
“I was struggling all throughout the game, both on offense and defense. I just couldn’t get my momentum,” Torres said as he was 3-of-9 from the field before his triple.
“I give credit to my teammates and coaches because while I was struggling, they were at the bench, cheering me on. Maybe that’s why it went in.”